Anaemia Blood Tests

The first and most important test for diagnosing anaemia is a Full Blood Count (FBC). This measures your haemoglobin level and assesses the size and number of your red blood cells. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as ferritin, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate, to help identify the underlying cause of the anaemia.

Anaemia can cause a range of symptoms, which often develop gradually. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent tiredness or fatigue

• Weakness or low energy

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Pale skin

• Heart palpitations

• Headaches

• Cold hands and feet

• Numbness or pins and needles

• A sore tongue or mouth ulcers

If you're experiencing these symptoms, a blood test can help determine whether anaemia may be the cause.

Anaemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively. Common causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, inflammation, certain medications and long-term health conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of diagnosis and treatment.

Our recommended anaemia blood test panel typically includes:

• Full Blood Count (FBC)

• Ferritin

• Iron Studies

• Vitamin B12

• Folate

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician may also recommend kidney function, liver function or thyroid function tests to provide a more complete assessment.

Most anaemia blood tests do not require fasting, so you can usually eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, if your clinician has requested additional tests that require fasting, we'll let you know when you book.

Most blood test results are available within a few days, depending on the tests requested. Once your results are available, they'll be reviewed and explained, with guidance on any further investigations or treatment that may be appropriate.

A blood test can often indicate the likely type of anaemia by assessing your haemoglobin levels, red blood cell size and iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels. However, further investigations may sometimes be needed to identify the underlying cause, particularly if blood loss or an underlying medical condition is suspected.

Yes. You can book an anaemia blood test at Pall Mall Medical without a GP referral. If you're unsure which blood tests you need, our healthcare team can help you choose the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.

If your results show that you have anaemia, it's important to understand why. Depending on the findings, you may be advised to have further investigations or treatment, such as iron supplementation, vitamin replacement, dietary advice or referral for additional assessment. Our clinicians can explain your results and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Anaemia is relatively common during pregnancy, and blood tests are often used to monitor iron levels and overall health. If you're pregnant and experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath, it's important to speak with your midwife, GP or obstetric team. If you develop severe symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, seek urgent medical advice.

A routine blood test is appropriate for many people with symptoms of anaemia. However, you should seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:

• Chest pain

• Severe shortness of breath

• Fainting or collapse

• Black or bloody stools

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

• Rapidly worsening weakness

• Concerning symptoms during pregnancy

These symptoms may require immediate medical investigation and should not be delayed while waiting for routine blood test results.